The Iowa Board of Regents is convening a Tuition Task Force this summer to discuss five-year tuition strategies at the state's three public universities. The task force is scheduled report back to the regents in September.
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Every fall, thousands of new students from all over Iowa, the United States and the globe begin their adventure at Iowa State University. They choose our beloved institution over thousands of other universities in the world. As president and vice president of Iowa State's Student Government, we are the leaders that more than 36,000 students have entrusted to leave our alma mater better than when we inherited it.

Unfortunately, this task has become increasingly challenging in recent years. Our institution finds itself facing nearly $12 million dollars in budget cuts from the Iowa Legislature this year alone.

The quality of an Iowa State degree is among the best in the world. Accredited by the Association of American Universities, this puts Iowa State University head-to-head with Ivy League institutions such as Princeton and Harvard.

It seems to us that our state has reached a critical turning point when it comes to public higher education. Iowa State University, the first land grant university in the United States, should serve as a beacon of opportunity for students who are determined enough to pursue a higher education. As a land grant, our mission is to be the most affordable and accessible to Iowa’s students. We should strive to uphold this pledge because it is these same students that will contribute significantly to our state’s economy by becoming our local farmers, teachers, agronomists, engineers, veterinarians and neighbors.

We write today to ask all Iowans to think long and hard about what our priorities are as a state. Today, Iowa State University receives significantly less actual dollars from the state than it did in 1999. It is important to note that during this same period of time total enrollment has increased by approximately 10,000 students and the cost of education has continued to soar. This rapid increase of enrollment, paired with a rapid decrease of state support, is adding more barriers to higher education in Iowa.

The resulting increased financial burdens are taking their toll on students, their families, and, in turn, our state. Unfortunately, our university’s reputation and credibility are being threatened by this negligence.

Cody Smith(Photo: Special to the Register)

As Iowans, these cuts and their impact should concern us all. In fact, they should concern anyone, including our legislators. We are asking for your support of higher education in our state; it is an investment in the future we want for generations to come, it is an investment in Iowa.

CODY WEST is president of the Student Government at Iowa State University.

CODY SMITH is vice president of the Student Government at Iowa State University. Contact: stugov@iastate.edu